A farewell from K
After more than 30 years in the business—nearly 20 of those on my own—owning five establishments, selling millions of burgers, and even helping a friend bring steamed cheeseburgers to Jacksonville, Florida, I’m announcing the sale of the original and most successful K LaMay’s Steamed Cheeseburgers, effective May 1st.
This decision wasn’t easy, but the time is right for me to step away.
The K LaMay name, staff, menu, and quality will all remain the same.
Over the years, there have been many highs and lows, but the journey has been incredible. One of our proudest achievements was being recognized as the Best Burger in Connecticut and earning national recognition from Thrillist.com and MSN.com. We’ve welcomed customers from all over the world—the furthest traveling from China!
Another milestone was owning three establishments at once while employing over 40 people. But what I’m most proud of is the opportunity to employ more than 100 individuals over the years as well as being able to give back to the community. It’s been an honor to work with some of the best employees and to serve loyal customers who have become lifelong friends.
Starting at Gary Owen’s Pub in 2006, I never imagined this journey would lead me to owning five establishments—and bringing the steamed cheeseburger to Florida. But what most people don’t know is that K LaMay’s almost didn’t make it past year four.
After an incredible grand opening, business began to slowly decline. Eventually, we hit a low point—one Monday, we brought in just $84 for the entire day. That was a turning point. I knew I had to make one of the toughest decisions of my life: find a better location or call it quits. I’ll never forget what an old boss once told me: “You’ll never make it on your own, especially without a business degree.”
In 2011, I took nearly everything I had, bet on the product, found a great location—and the rest is history.
There are two main reasons behind the success of K LaMay’s: the incredible staff and you—our loyal customers.
Without your support, there would be no K LaMay’s. Your kind words, reviews, and unwavering loyalty have meant the world to me, and they’ll never be forgotten.
Now, to the amazing staff.
First, I want to thank one of the OGs, Connor McNulty. Thank you for being my first sidekick and always supporting the K LaMay brand from the very beginning.
Next, a huge thank you to Erik Allison—aka Eggy—the guy behind the scenes who’s been there since day one. Erik has provided everything I needed to keep going: the website, tablets, marketing, branding, logo, menus, photos, artwork, creativity—you name it. He always reminded me that K LaMay’s was bigger than I realized, and I’ll always be grateful for that.
And now, for the face of K LaMay’s—Dylan McNulty.
What do you call a guy who never called out of work (except for COVID), whose loyalty is unmatched. A guy who holds down the fort so I can pick up my kids from school, spend time with family, or sneak in a tee time. Someone who’s always on my side and always down for a Boston trip. A guy who can actually pull off wearing a Boston Bruins onesie.
I call him FAMILY.
Simply put—without Dylan, there is no K LaMay’s. Thank you for everything you’ve done and continue to do for the brand. I’m looking forward to all the good times still ahead for us, bro.
I want to thank my wife and kids for their unwavering support over the years, and a special thank you to my mom—my biggest fan. Whether it was wearing a K LaMay’s shirt to the store, “accidentally” bumping into people with your cart just to spark a conversation about the restaurant, or handing out coupons—you’ve always been there, proudly spreading the word. I love you all.
Lastly, I also want to give a big shoutout to our incredible current staff: Trevor, Jada, Brenda, Dylan, Jessica, Jeshwa, Kody, and Justin. I have no doubt you’ll continue to carry the K LaMay brand forward with pride and passion.
I’ll be working my final three weeks in April, and I’d be honored to see as many of our amazing customers as possible before I go. My hours will be posted on the door at K LaMay’s and on our social media sites.
It’s been one heck of a ride—and who knows what the future holds.
Till we meet again,
K. LaMay
